These two major gangs might not stop warring until one side was annihilated.

"The Manor Lord will most likely choose to compromise," Su Changkong knew. This time, the Black Cavalry Gang's demanded annual tribute had doubled, which was quite excessive, but Mo Tie, with his personality, was most likely going to compromise.

Just as Su Changkong had predicted.

"I'll pay the money! Just as Third Chief Chen demands!"

Seeing the murderous aura of the poised Black Cavalry Gang, Mo Tie helplessly chose to compromise. Wage war against the Black Cavalry Gang? It would be like an egg striking a rock!

Mo Tie ordered someone to fetch another five hundred Taels in silver notes, which he handed over to Chen Zhuang. Only then did Chen Zhuang's originally indifferent face reveal a smile, returning to his exceedingly amiable appearance.

"Villa Owner Mo, we wish you a Happy New Year. We won't disturb you any further!"

Having received a thousand Taels in protection money, Chen Zhuang did not linger. With a laugh, he waved his hand and led dozens of knights away, disappearing into the snowstorm.

"Alas... The Black Cavalry Gang is getting more and more outrageous. They've taken a thousand Taels this time; next time, they might demand two thousand. Their demands will only become more excessive; you can't ever feed a wolf enough!"

Many members of Black Iron Manor were filled with rage, feeling that the Black Cavalry Gang's appetite would only grow.

"Father... I don't know how much longer I can hold on."

Moreover, Mo Tie also realized this point, and he gave a long, weary sigh, looking somewhat aged.

In his youth, Mo Tie had taken over Black Iron Manor from his deceased father, swearing before the body to develop it steadily and make it prosper!

Despite Mo Tie's dutiful efforts, Black Iron Manor faced various troubles and threats almost every so often, and though he felt anger and unwillingness, he could only keep compromising, seeking to survive.

Mo Tie even considered disbanding Black Iron Manor, taking a sum of money and fleeing far away, which would not be without its relief. However, the thought of the family legacy ending in his hands made him too ashamed to face his ancestors, and so he had to grit his teeth and persevere.

Su Changkong shook his head secretly; he knew Mo Tie could only keep compromising because he was simply not strong enough. Faced with threats from others, there were only two paths: live on one's knees or die on one's feet.

Su Changkong did not wish to die on his feet, nor did he wish to live on his knees, so he needed to strengthen himself, to become strong enough to control his own fate under any threat!

After the Black Cavalry Gang left, everyone continued working as if nothing had happened, with no change as usual.

"The day after tomorrow is the 15th of the month, the day the Ghost Market opens. I need to go to the Ghost Market for a transaction with Zhao Qing," Su Changkong thought to himself.

Over the past six months, Su Changkong had traded with Zhao Qing three times, visiting the Ghost Market every two months with crossbows he crafted in exchange for silver, which he used to buy resources for cultivation!

Now, Su Changkong was preparing to make another trip to the Ghost Market.

The two days passed in the blink of an eye. Su Changkong asked for a day off in advance. The next morning, he carried a basket on his back with five crossbows and headed for the Ghost Market.

When night fell, the cold wind howled, making the weather particularly frigid and the Ghost Market more desolate than on any other mid-month night.

This wasn't Su Changkong's first visit to the Ghost Market. He made his way there with practiced ease, to that deserted mountain village.

This abandoned mountain village was uninhabited on normal days, but on the mid-month, it would gather people with various intentions, and most would deliberately disguise themselves to conceal their identities!

On the streets of the Ghost Market, there were faint candle lights, but the illumination was still dim. Most people set up small stalls on the side of the street, selling goods rarely seen or sold outside.

When people came up to inquire, they also intentionally kept their voices low to avoid attracting the attention of others.

Su Changkong, dressed in black and wearing a crimson Ghost Face, was in normal attire for the Ghost Market and did not attract any surprise from anyone.

"Brother Ghost Face."

Su Changkong quietly waited under the eaves of an abandoned house in the Ghost Market, and half an hour later a familiar voice reached his ears.

Looking up, Su Changkong saw a man wearing a green robe and a pure white mask approaching from not too far away—it was Zhao Qing!

"This time, it's a total of five crossbows; check them out," said Zhao Qing as he appeared, Su Changkong wasted no words, put down his backpack, and spoke to Zhao Qing.

"I still trust the credibility of Brother Ghost Face. Here are five hundred Taels in silver notes," said Zhao Qing with a hearty smile, taking out the silver notes from his bosom and handing them to Su Changkong.

Although he said so, Zhao Qing still checked the five crossbows.

In the past half year, Su Changkong had sold nearly twenty crossbows to Zhao Qing, earning him two thousand Taels of silver to support his cultivation.

Seeing that Zhao Qing had found no errors upon inspection, Su Changkong prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment!"

But this time, Zhao Qing called out to Su Changkong.

"Is there something else?"

Su Changkong looked towards Zhao Qing.

"Brother Ghost Face... you are certainly not a common person; I would like to invite you to join the sect I belong to. With your skills, you will surely make a name for yourself and soar to new heights!"

Zhao Qing spoke with utter sincerity, but his words astonished Su Changkong, who was being invited to join some sect.

"May I ask the name of your sect?" asked Su Changkong, after pondering briefly. In truth, he had no intention of joining the sect Zhao Qing was part of.

Zhao Qing's presence at the Ghost Market and his mass purchase of crossbows suggested that his sect was no band of do-gooders; Su Changkong had only asked out of politeness.

"Only if Brother Ghost Face joins will I be able to disclose information about our sect, but I assure you, our sect is strong and will not bury your talents!"

Zhao Qing did not reveal which sect he belonged to, but his tone remained completely sincere.

This made Su Changkong even more vigilant. Not even willing to share the sect's name? And covertly buying forbidden weapons? It all seemed highly irregular!

There and then, Su Changkong tactfully said, "I'm accustomed to wandering freely and dislike being restrained, so I will have to decline."

Su Changkong's refusal was gentle, but Zhao Qing could hear the firmness in his voice.

Zhao Qing sighed, expressing his regret, "Then I won't press the matter."

Without lingering any longer after completing the transaction, Su Changkong left the Ghost Market alone.

Watching Su Changkong's departing figure, Zhao Qing stood silently where he was.

"This Zhao Qing is definitely no good person; I'll have to give it serious thought before trading with him again!" Su Changkong thought to himself as he walked. Zhao Qing's behavior didn't seem the least bit benign, prompting Su Changkong to consider ending their transactions. It would be best not to get too involved with Zhao Qing to avoid trouble!

"Hmm?"

Walking alone through the desolate mountains outside the Ghost Market, headed outward, Su Changkong's footsteps crunched dry leaves, but suddenly his ears twitched, catching several "thunking" sounds strung together!

Su Changkong was all too familiar with this sound—it was the noise of crossbow mechanisms in motion!